Chapter 675

Chapter 675: Planning

The Xumi Treasure was prepared for Nascent Soul cultivators.

Yet what these Nascent Soul cultivators could obtain depended on random fate. If one seized such an opportunity to ascend to a higher realm—even if most failed—just a single success would count as an immense blessing.

Perhaps Xumi Daoist, having reached such heights, no longer needed these treasures and chose to bestow them upon mortals. But unless he faced death or ascension, such generosity seemed impossible. No rational person would act this way.

"Ancestor, do you grasp Xumi Daoist’s intentions?" Ye Yun grinned at the Sword Path Ancestor within his mind. "Could he have reached the Heavenly Immortal realm, rendering these treasures worthless to him? Is that why he discarded them for the masses?"

"What’s your take?" The Sword Path Ancestor smirked. "Do you find this act foolish? Why not hoard such astronomical treasures for oneself? Why give them away?"

"I’m equally puzzled, but overthinking a kind gesture feels ungrateful." Ye Yun chuckled, shaking his head.

"Had it been me," the Sword Path Ancestor sighed, "I’d have kept everything. Betting on karma for future gains is risky—those who receive treasures might die before repaying the debt. But sometimes, circumstances force decisions beyond our control."

"Enough philosophy. I’ll uncover the truth in time." Ye Yun clenched his fist, determination burning. "Still, if Xumi Daoist dared leave this treasure behind, I’ll claim it without fail."

"Good ambition!" The Sword Path Ancestor laughed approvingly. "Show me your efforts in this fifth layer. Who knows? The spirit creatures here might even revive this old ancestor."

"Refining your body requires massive resources," Ye Yun remarked. "Why waste treasures on resurrection? Hand them to me instead. When I reach the Heavenly Immortal realm, I’ll repay you."

"You underestimate the Heavenly Immortal realm." The ancestor snorted. "But since you’re clueless, let’s test your limits. I’ll suppress you with soul power. Let’s see if you break through."

"If you hold back, I can endure. But don’t crush me." Ye Yun nodded.

The ancestor’s soul power crashed down like a mountain. Ye Yun gritted his teeth, sweat beading, before gasping, "Enough! Withdraw your power, or I’ll burn it away with my Soul’s Fire!"

"Hah! Now you see my strength!" The ancestor gloated—then hastily added, "Wait! Can’t you tell I was joking?"

"Joking? That pain felt real!" Ye Yun glared, his soul still throbbing. "Apologize properly, or I’ll scatter your soul’s origin!" He tossed the glowing soul essence upward, its light piercing his inner darkness.

"Fine, I went too far," the ancestor grumbled. "But hasn’t your spirit grown stronger?"

"By nearly breaking me!" Ye Yun retorted. "Next time, warn me before crushing my soul!"

"Youngsters these days lack grit," the ancestor huffed. "I withstood worse at the Golden Core stage! Consider this training."

"Spare me the lectures." Ye Yun tossed him the soul essence. "What now? Absorb it?"

"Obviously. What else?" The ancestor rolled his eyes.

"Or… use it to forge true sword intent for your Two Extremes Sword Path," Ye Yun suggested.

The ancestor’s eyes lit up. Black and white energy swirled at his fingertips, forming twin sword runes in Ye Yun’s mind. "Planning to bluff enemies with my aura?"

"Exactly." Ye Yun smiled. "Even a wisp of your sword intent could terrify Nascent Soul fools."

"Clever fox." The ancestor grinned. "Study these runes. They embody yin-yang and life-death laws. Master them, and you’ll grasp the Sword Path’s heart."

"Sword heart…" Ye Yun murmured. "Another goal to chase. For now, I’ll rely on this talisman to intimidate."

As the ancestor faded, Ye Yun assessed his new trump card. While insufficient against elites like Du Jianyin or Jun Ruolan, it would cow most rivals in the Xumi Treasure’s cutthroat hierarchy.

Here, those below the Sixth Level of the Nascent Soul stage were mere fodder. True threats were sect prodigies—or monsters like Ye Yun himself, who slaughtered Nascent Souls while still a Golden Core cultivator.

His gaze shifted to Jin An and Golden Ling’er. Protecting these Nascent Soul novices in the treasure’s lethal first layer would be tricky. The natural nine great tribulations—like the black tornado he’d survived—could erase even Earth Immortals. Once the layer fully opened, nine calamities would purge all laggards.

Best to rush them to the fifth layer. But treasure-hungry mobs might target his companions. Rescuing them risked entrapment, yet abandoning them felt wrong.

Alliances? Useless. Only Moon Goddess Palace’s united disciples held trust. Ye Yun sneered—why bother with weaklings offering empty words? True power needed no allies.